Puget Sound Clean Air Agency issues burn ban

King County is under a Stage 1 burn ban, effective at 4 p.m. Friday and in place until further notice.

The moratorium from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency comes after a previous burn ban ended Wednesday. The agency issues air quality burn bans when air pollution rises — or is forecast to reach — unhealthy levels.

During a Stage 1 burn ban, no burning is allowed in fireplaces or uncertified wood stoves. Residents should rely instead on other, cleaner heat sources, such as a furnace or electric baseboard heaters, for a few days until air quality improves, the public health risk diminishes and the ban is cancelled.

The ban also encompasses outdoor fires, including bonfires, campfires and the use of fire pits and chimineas.

During a Stage 2 burn ban, no burning is allowed in any fireplace, pellet stove or wood stove — certified or not — unless it is a resident’s only adequate heat source.